zapco studio 500 or jl 1000/1....

[jzzamesb]

I have had the jl amp for a little while and just picked up the studio 500 a few days ago. I haven't hooked either one up yet. My question is, on the same set of speakers what amp will be better? Any pros and cons of either amp. Thanks for the help in advance...

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[denim 5,000+ posts]

I would choose the Zapco.

 

[Qbenjamin 10+ year member]

Depends on the actual power you plan on pushing. A difference of 500 watts, is considerably noticeable. I would probably still choose the JL because of wiring options and voltage handling.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

A difference of 500 watts, is considerably noticeable.

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I don't see any benefit to using the Zapco. Even if you don't plan on using all of the JL's power I'd always run the higher powered amplifier.......unless it didn't have some feature you absolutely desired such as more advanced xover/processing (which with the JL's having selectable slopes IIRC I don't think even this would be an issue)

Though just to clarify...you do intend on using these on subwoofers, correct?

 

[denim 5,000+ posts]

According to Zapco, the studio 500 will do close to 1k watts at 4 ohm mono.

 

 

I picked the Zapco because of the history and the rarity of it, not to mention their studio amps are awesome.

 

[jzzamesb]

it will be to power a sub..

Zapco does claim 1k@4ohm mono. I just wondered if there would be a hands down difference between the two??

 

[frzninvt 10+ year member]

There will be when long term reliability is concerned and my vote goes to the Zapco on reliability.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

According to Zapco, the studio 500 will do close to 1k watts at 4 ohm mono.

Indeed you are correct....I was thinking incorrectly.

I'd still take the JL though, personally. The Zapco being a 2-channel is going to limit your options in the future should you choose to upgrade/switch subs as it will not be stable below 4ohms bridged or 2ohm per channel. The JL will be able to handle lower impedances while still offering 1kw of power output. Also the Zapco is likely class A/B whereas the JL is class D.......the JL isn't as efficient as a "typical" class D but will still be more efficient than a class A/B at lower power levels such as those that will be realized with musical content....so it will be easier on the electrical system aswell.

Plus as I mentioned previously it also has the selectable xover slope which if you will be using the onboard xover is a useful feature.

 

[trunks9_us 10+ year member]

dude get the zapco there the best

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

dude get the zapco there the best

Who can argue with that kind of logic //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/rolleyes.gif.c1fef805e9d1464d377451cd5bc18bfb.gif

 

[Akula Class 10+ year member]

There will be when long term reliability is concerned and my vote goes to the Zapco on reliability.

Why do you feel JL isn't reliable. I've had 0 problems with my 1000/1 and I've had it for some time now. The knock on JL is usually over price not reliability.

 

[teamquakecelica 10+ year member]

The Studio 500 also requires an external crossover... (1st amp I ever owned //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif )

Powerful little SOB... use it on a nice set of components.. mmmm 250w x2 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Ryan

 

[///M5 10+ year member]

I with Squeak. At the moment they are the same, but the flexibility of the JL down the road will be better for you.

The other option would be to see which one you can sell for a better rate since they both equally fit your install. By rate I mean the ratio of what you paid vs what you can sell the amp for.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

so sean hows your amp treating you?

 

[Qbenjamin 10+ year member]

There will be when long term reliability is concerned and my vote goes to the Zapco on reliability.

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JL is known to be reliable. I must admit, that they have had a few issues with channels blowing, but that is also very rare. As already stated also, the Zapco would force you into buying a certain voice coil sub, whereas the JL is good to go from 1.5-4 ohms @ 11-14v. I know you already know this info, but I don't think that it's really sticking out to you. I would do the Zapco on some components, but the JL on Subs are a definite.